Have you stayed at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Michigan?
 

Just made reservations for Memorial Day weekend at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Would like recommendations for activities. We like boating, history, nature and beautiful scenery.

A few quick things that come to mind:
1. I you are a golfer this area is paradise. The resort courses at GTR and the Nicklaus Course "The Bear" are excellent.
2. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is close by.
3. Drive up to Leland and Suttons Bay for. Fishtown in Leland is cute. If you are real adventuresome take the boat trip out to South Manitou Island...lots of history.
4. Drive up the Old Mission Peninsula.

Have fun...looks like great weather...spring has finally arrived in Michigan!

Thanks Scott
I will do searches on South Manitou Island and Old Mission Peninsula as they are new material for me! Thanks again!

There's a GREAT drive that takes you on US31 from HarborSprings to CrossVillage (Left of the BigMac bridge when looking at a map). It's along a bluff overlooking the lake and there are also small dunes if you keep going North of CV. The road is very narrow/winding and you'll need to watch for cyclists who also love the drive...

Have fun - if time allows, take the ferry to Mac Island and back to see all the "fudgies".

Upper-MI also has numerous rivers to canoe. Water's are likely running fast and it could be fun.

Iwholeheartedly agree w/ scott who suggested going to the Leelanau Peninsula. Leland is a cute, artsy community. Glen Arbor is cute to. If you start in in Traverse City, you can take the road that wraps around the bay (I think it's 22? Check a map) and go through Suttons Bay, around through Leland, and then to Glen Arbor. I spent many a summer up there as a child and young adult (loved it so much I honeymooned up there!) I can't remember road names exactly. I think they call the route the "circle tour". When in Glen Arbor, make sure you stop and grab a Michigan brew at Art's Tavern! Love that place! As also suggested, the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes are great! Beware the dune walk! It's long! Also, if you are into history, there are a lot of lighthouses to check out. Let me know if you need info on anything you research!! Kristen

Thanks to everyone for all the information. We are leaving soon. We are also driving to Mackinaw Monday morning...how long of a drive is it please? Many thanks!

Traverse City to Mackinaw City is 100 miles, but takes 2 hours due to two lane roads and going through towns.

I second gfidk's recomendation of leaving US 31 and taking the drive from Harbor Springs to Cross Village. The route you would want is Emmet County Scenic Route #1 (M-119) The drive through the tunnel of trees along a bluff along Lake Michigan is one of the most beautiful drives in the country.

The General Store and Post office in Good Hart is worth a quick visit and Leggs Inn http://www.legsinn.com/ in Cross Village is unique.

The turn off for 119 is at the North end of Petoskey and Bayview. There is a traffic light so you can't miss it.

This route will add another 45 minutes to your drive, but you will not be sorry.

Let me know if you have any questions about Mackinaw or the Straits. I grew up there and get back about 3 times a year. I have some photos online at http://mightymac.org

Keith